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Friday, 30 December 2016

Winter is upon us, the frost glimmers from the bare branches and the late afternoon sunshine reminds us of the oncoming of a brand new year about to begin.

Whether you're snuggled up in doors wrapped in a mermaid tail blanket (thank you Santa) sipping on yet another hot chocolate, or if you've cracked out the glitter eyeliner and heels ready to party your way through the Wintery start of a new year- I've gathered together a whole heap of lovelies to add a special little something to the season ahead!

Voluminous, long waves, coppery dashes of glitter, worn casual with your woolies or poshed up with a slick of lippy- all bases of Winter Style are covered here!

I love the appeal of sleepy curls, they give a sultry not too try hard effect yet are super versatile enough to rock in the evening. Add a high shine product or treat yourself to some new clip in hair extensions to boost the volume and leave it long and loose to get this look.

This sophisticated upgrade from a standard pony tail can be taken in many directions. This season keep things simple by twisting a long strand of hair around your pony, by taking things high on top or create a tangle of turns by adding tiny elastics and pulling sections of the hair out as you go.

The trend for braids shows no signs of slowing down as we enter 2017, so why not take full opportunity of all the inspiration around you and find your very own plaited preference. You can really have fun with this style keeping things casual for the day or by spicing it up for party time. This look can be worked into most hair lengths and with a little youtube assistance even the most complex of patterns will be yours in no time!

A personal favourite of mine. You can't beat a touch of luxe this time of year and by adding velvet or satin to your Winter wardrobe you're enhancing the texture whilst winning in the accessories stakes. Create a hair band by tying a piece of ribbon around your head or simply spruce up a low ponytail; I like to take a short piece of ribbon, make it into a bow then attach it to a hair grip to then use at the top of a bun or when pinning a small section of hair to the side.

Coppers, rusts, deep berry reds and a healthy dash of sparkle- there is something about these warm shades that fire me up ready for the cold days of Winter. This look is perfect for any evening shindigs as it oozes vampy glamour but can be easily toned down for a subtle daytime look by patting a dark lipstick onto the lips then blending out with a little lip balm or by blending a simple sweep of eyeshadow around the eye to create a soft and smoky liner. Who says glitter isn't for day time too, add a touch to the inner corners of your eyes or throw handfuls of the stuff all around the room... Come on, we all need a little lift this season!

So there you have my Winter Style Beauty Edition, I can't wait to try out some of those twisty plaited looks and am covered in enough glitter to last a lifetime until Spring. Check out my Winter Style Fashion Edition for some tips on how to keep warm whilst working thems there layers and be sure to ditch those resolutions and strut into this new year with your head held high and with excitement and adventure in your heart!

Thursday, 22 December 2016

Winter Style. What is not to love? We're talking layers and layers of cosy texture, sumptuously soft accessories and strutting your stuff in a trusty pair of boots. I love me some cold weather fashion and what a treat have I for you, my lovelies, as I've rounded up some of the top looks to try out this season!

When the weather is a little grey and grumpy why not pack a punch into your day and choose a bright coloured statement jacket. Whatever your flavour, adding a much-needed ray of sunshine will brighten up your day, and anyone you come across, no doubt! These lovelies show this point perfectly! A soft feminine pink is playful and pretty, the rusty orange adds depth and gives a twist to an otherwise classic outfit and this gorgeous sea green freshens up any day to day look!

How about smartening up your act? Choosing a sharply tailored coat will cut you a mighty fine silhouette with minimal effort and allow you to bring your entire outfit up a notch. You can diversify this touch by opting for equally clean-cut accessories, elevating your look making it easily transferable to night time/ business attire or level things out with some casual pieces paired in. This classic camel coat lets the details do the talking and my what a speech! The crisp, dark pea coat sharpens up an otherwise casual collection and the combination of deep sumptuous red colour and luxurious wool fabric create an overall look perfect for neatening up this Winter.

This is a favourite element of mine, dressing in multiple layers! There's something deliciously snug about burying yourself in lots of textures and getting to show off much more of your wardrobe than usual is also a plus! Take a leaf from this book and opt for contrasting lengths and colours, play with fabric textures and throw the rule book out of the window altogether, switching things up a bit! A simple take on keeping warm yet looking styled to perfection with an over coat and long scarf, go over sized with your outer layers and add quirky accessories to bring it all together or try wearing your shorter layers on the top, for a distinct fashion upgrade!

The fun thing about Winter is all the goodies to decorate your outfit with and the practicality of staying warm whilst out and about! You can really change up your look by playing with accessories- go for contrasting colours to make things pop, add classic leather to bring a grown up edge and fully embrace the cold with all things woolly! Try adding a sharp, simple long scarf to create clean lines, keeping length to your overall appearance, a classic beanie will keep you warm whilst keeping things casual and youthful, and chunky knits in complimentary colours work wonders to bring an outfit together!

What better excuse to treat yourself to a new pair of booties than the imminent blustery weather? Investing in a great pair of boots will see you through many seasons whilst ensuring a bad ass, grounded look despite battling the chill. There are so many styles on offer to suit many a budget, my personal favourite will always be an ankle boot, just so versatile! I love a classic Chelsea boot and this black pair are calling my name, but playing with texture is always a great idea for Winter and suedes or velvets can add a special touch of luxe to your tootsies! But if we're talking a boot for all looks, then it really has to be a tan brown, am I right? This pair, with it's slight point and nicely tapered top helps elongate the leg and keeps things nice and neat, allowing you to wear these bad boys from day right through to night!

The crowning glory to any layered up look- a wide brimmed hat! This touch is so simple yet really adds a special something- if you're ballsy enough to really go for it! Keep it dark and classic and pair it down with casual knits and short jackets for an easy day to day look or go super glam matching your crisp brim with a statement coat in jewel colours will stand you apart from the crowd.

Whatever way you decide to stay warm this Winter, perhaps playing with your usual style by adding a bold colour, trying a new accessory or by simply swapping up the order in which you layer, I wish you a snuggly and stylish season, full to the brim with hot chocolate and crisp, morning strolls!

Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Christmas is a time to make memories with loved ones, reach out to people and bring them together and to share a warm toasty room, plentiful food and oh so much merriment. In short, it's all about the festive fun!

A great way to share this sparkling Christmas spirit is to organise a jolly shindig! Whether you're into festive frolics through the snow or a swanky soiree, the options really are endless! I've come up with a few helpful suggestions to get you on your way, all that's left to do is to hop over to the gorgeous Paperless Post to pick out one of their design-focused Christmas cards online or printed invites and get this party started!

Crank up the jingle bells and let your competitive side fly free as you battle your way to the Gingerbread House Building Championships! This is a super fun and tasty activity but surprisingly challenging, depending on how ambitious your architectural aspirations are of course! Something for the whole family that is almost too good to eat... almost!

Popcorn and pjs are an essential during this next joyful gathering, why not snuggle together for a back to back running of your favourite festive films? See how creative you can be with your movie of choice or stick to the classics, there are plenty to choose from and please all viewers.

Now this one has my name written all over it. Fairly self-explanatory, I mean- cookies!! Invite your favourite sugar coated buddies over for an afternoon of sweet treats. Each party-goer could bring a different type of cookie (home baked or otherwise, we're not judgy round these parts!) and swap recipes and biscuits to your heart's content. You could even set up a decorating station to jazz up a selection of plain ones, using sprinkles and candy and icing and so on. Just don't forget the milk!

This is a silly fun, crafty activity for all ages, simply choose your weapon of choice (tinsel, glitter, knitted reindeer?) and go to town on a thrifted or ancient beloved sweater, then proceed to wear the beauties for rest of the evening revelling in your creations! You could even set up a photo booth area complete with props and errythang, and let the hilarity ensue!

What do we love more, this time of year, than singing along to those awful,cheesy, classic tunes? Make it a Christmas celebration to remember and take the vocal route! I insist that you combine this with a Mistletoe Mixer or two (festive themed cocktails anyone?), you could even get creative and make teams or red buttons/ scoring cards, hey it's your party!

Forget the work's Christmas Do this year and create your very own Elves Workshop party, dressing up your inner Buddy the Elf, stripy tights and all! Deck the halls, throw handfuls of glitter and stock up on candy canes, this is one sweet shindig! You could even arrange activities such as gift wrapping, tree decorating, wreath making, snowball fights! How about decking out your very own hot chocolate bar full of delicious toppings and flavour variations!

So there you have it, creative Christmas gatherings bringing the whole family together to share in the fun. I love this time of year, all the twinkly lights and yummy foods and I'm heading back to the UK for a few days over the holidays, which I'm super excited for, as well as drinking my body weight in hot cocoa whilst dancing around my beautifully lit tree between now and the new year! When it comes to money and presents though, for me a token gift is as far as I go as that's not really what it's all about, but if you were looking for a little inspiration when picking out that perfect something then perhaps my Handmade Gift Guide might be of use!

I invite you all to have a wonderful Christmas and can't wait to hear about all your fun activities and special moments. Stay tuned for some Wintery Style guides and Festive Beauty favourites!SaveSaveSave

Thursday, 1 December 2016

Tis the season to be jolly, for spending time with loved ones, snuggling up warm, for eating all the foods (Terry's Chocolate Orange and after Eight Mints, get in my belly!) and for hunting down a little something for your favourite peoples. Sometimes it's glorious to spread a little glitter and love, getting together with long distant friends and raising a glass to good times, dusting off the old board games and making new memories with family and giving a thoughtful, unique gift. The easiest way to ensure your present is especially special would be to buy from a small business, from craft markets or even having a go at some DIY home-made badassery yourself.

I've done a little day-dreaming research just to get you off on the right foot and by searching the old faithful, one of a kind, dream gift mecca Etsy I've found a heap of beauties! If it's inspirational quotes to add a punch of positivity to the worrier in your life's day or a customised bookmark for your nerd at heart, a vintage timepiece for your antique lover or a customised watercolour print (for yourself?), whatever it is that makes your loved ones tick, take a mooch below for some serious inspiration!

Thursday, 24 November 2016

Fine evening dearest friends, how's your November going so far? The end of this 2016 is just about in sight and there is so much to squeeze into Winter before we ring in a shiny new year. Here in the Netherlands we celebrate Sint 5th December,this wee post will explain further and get you in the mood for all those sweet treats!, so the Christmas festivities begin super early. There are all of those delicious Winter markets to look forward to, creating a snug and cosy home (bring on those cinnamon scented candles!) and plans to make with family and friends (always a sticky web to untangle when you straddle two countries!), my head is spinning with ideas!

One way to focus my mind and steer my creative attentions is and has always been harnessed by a good old fashioned mood board! Over on the Faded Windmills facebook page I collate collections of imagery that inspire me daily and always seem to get me into a productive and creative mood! As you may have noticed from a previous post I have decided to round up some of my favourite mood boards to share with you directly on the blog, so feel free to stick around for a bit of a mooch!

For now I intend to soak up a little visual stimulation then put together some ideas for handmade gifts- my favourite thing to give at Christmas. I'm thinking knitted boot toppers, homemade cookies, personalised tree ornaments and make up bag/ cute coin purses... Stay tuned!

I purchased the PDF version of this pattern from their dreamy website and opted for a zip fastening version, with in-seam pockets and of course the knee length option, in a navy blue light weight cotton.

I found the instructions a pleasure to work with and made good use of their handy videos available for refining particular methods of construction and overall I was incredibly happy with the finished garment. The pattern pieces were clear, the measurements and fabric/ notions requirements were spot on and the instructions were super simple to follow. After constructing my first piece of clothing using Colette Patterns, I can confidently say that I look forward to choosing another of their designs to whip up!

I loved the process of marking up and stitching the pleats, something so satisfying about the precision needed and the final result gives a crisp, uniform pleat working wonders with this light weight cotton!

The interfacing I used for the waistband was meant for a much heavier fabric and therefore is a little on the bulky side, serves me right for taking the lazy option and using all that was left of my supply, but it does hold it's shape nicely! Next time I make this skirt, whether I use an invisible zip or the button up option, I will certainly opt for a regular interfacing.

I can't wait to make this skirt up in all kinds of differing fabrics and colours and really look forward to trying out the button up version. This skirt has such a flattering silhouette as the waist band nips in nicely balancing out a wider hip, the pleats are petite and skim over the stomach falling into a gentle shape landing just above the knee.

What have you guys been making/ wearing lately? Are you a fan of Colette Patterns? Feel free to throw any suggestions my way of other patterns by Colette or similar companies.

Tuesday, 1 November 2016

Good evening friends! Is it me or do we seem to have skipped the crisp, sunshiny Autumnal mornings and dove straight into Winter? It is super chilly right now, perhaps making up for that gorgeous lingering warmth we had in September... Never mind. What better way to hide from the weather than by snuggling up with a page or two of a really great book?! Here's a flash back of my reading progress from the months July through to September for my quarterly book review. If you're as nosey as I am then you can find my previous two book reviews hereand here for some recommendations!

Well, that was original! This book covers a lot of ground... story wise, content wise and time-line wise! Jam packed full of spy action, time travel, historical politics with a sprinkling of science and romance. An unusual mixture that just works.

After reading the first page of this I was so intrigued and couldn't wait to find out more. I did however, struggle slightly getting into it for the first couple of chapters but once I reached about a third of the way in, that was it, I was sold! Incredibly intelligent novel with a frighteningly realistic element of sci-fi, one for the history/ science buffs!

Oh this book! Such a beautifully written sorrowful story that struck such nostalgic notes with me as I was led through the tangled web of teenage emotions.

This book was my first encounter with a novel written in prose and despite it's alternative format I found it worked so cleverly for this particular story. I flew through the book as the chapters are so short but loved the swift speed with which the plot unfolds and enjoyed devouring every bitter sweet emotion along the way. It read more like a diary entry than a poem, which also lends to the building of the characters and connection between them and the reader. A controversial subject, (click on the link above for an in-depth summary of the story- I hold a strong 'no spoilers' rule here!), but handled with such care and genuine humanity. Curiosity of the unknown led me to pick this book up originally, but before you know it you are so deeply invested in the story and the characters that you find yourself relating to the 'regular' adolescent agonies and allowing this familiar air to guide you through the story, rather than a morbid intrigue in just one specific part of the plot. A sweet and touching tale you will whip right through.

Ah Chuck Palahniuk, the master of controversy and honest delivery- I can't seem to get enough of this guys work. Some what schizophrenic, considering my previous review, but that simply reflects my warped mixture of a bookshelf. Being a mood reflective reader, I reached for this snappy book for a quick and dirty fix, a palate cleanser as you will. Not to divert praise from this novel- I really enjoyed it and found it hilarious as well as uncomfortable- a classic combination from Palahniuk.

As far as short stories go, this one flits from varying points of view during the filming of a final hurrah from a retiring porn star, aiming to set a new world record. If that doesn't draw you in then perhaps this book isn't for you. Not my favourite of Palahniuk's but it certainly entertained and bridged a gap between genres.

This book is moody and dark and almost uncomfortably stingy with it's revealing of what the heck is going on, to the point when you are quite literally perched on the edge of your seat begging for some rational answer to this excruciating building of tension and suspense. I truly endorse jumping into some books without a foretold premise or summary and highly encourage going into this one blind. Full of painfully twisting atmosphere and clever and original story, pure survival and desperation- this one will leave you with goosebumps!

Ahh this novel is a classic for a reason. Such a wonderful, fully rounded story with a glorious mix of characters- some witty and brutally honest- Elizabeth, others traditional, stifled by societal etiquette of the time and down right stuck up- Darcy and others idiotic yet sweet; just a truly colourful and believable account of life during this hard nosed era.

A heart felt romance of the truest kind with scandal and tragedy, the game of flirtation played by naive new comers, all the while steeped with the suffocating traditions of England during the 1800s. A delightful, beautifully told story that is a must for any lovers of historical drama speaking forth and true of it's era whilst maintaining a poets delicacy.

One of my favourite books of the year. I took my time reading this tome of a book and rather than being put off by it's enormity (typically me to purchase it in hardback...), I embraced it's lengthy story and actually found myself not wanting it to end. The perfect book to fall into and truly enjoy every page of.

This is a nostalgic tale of childhood and family dynamic following a bitter, painful tragedy and shines a light on the tangled mess left after, how a whole neighbourhood is affected and shows the awkward shadow one inevitably walks under whilst growing up in this wake. Heart breaking, honest, beautiful and all encompassing- this story had me by the throat. Highly recommend!

Despite it's title this book is a must for women and men alike! It is frank as it's ever likely to get and as a result of that sends the message across whilst having you roll across your living room crying with laughter. As a fellow Brummy I can relate to Moran's brilliant account of such cringe worthy anecdotes, her bold and often uncomfortable honesty draws you in, her fabulously forth right opinions and her ability to leave you gagging on the awkward moments allow you to truly relate in most every way!

This book has a very important and always ever message but doesn't box you across the ears with out dated politics, rather it slaps you across the face with the honest truth! I have never highlighted as many sentences before as I did whilst reading this, I laughed way too loudly in public whilst reading this on the train and I have recommended it to nearly everyone I've come across since!

I am struggling to review this book as I have double edged opinions of it. Firstly I found this a great follow up to the original book in the series, full of adventure and misfortune, the wonderfully unusual characters were further embellished whilst introducing new equally as bonkers characters to round out this sequel, but... I didn't really enjoy it as much as I had hoped. I don't think this is a fair reflection of the book, more perhaps that I didn't fully gel with the first novel and therefore was left wanting more from the second. I believe that a fan of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children will love this edition to the series as it really is packed to the brim with mishaps and big dramatic entanglements, I just didn't feel it. It all seemed too easily solved moving from one issue to the next without much exhaustion. A fun book with fantastic characters but perhaps would have been better saved for another moment.

I just cracked open the stunning Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley by Charlotte Gordon and I have to say, I can't put the book down! A perfect accompaniment to my escapism into the world of radically free thinkers and Gothic tales; besides the stunning colours of fall framed by my window, is a plate full of these ridiculously easy/ delicious cookies! Here's to a happy Autumn of reading!

Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Soft. Chocolate chip. Cookies. Enough said, right? This right here is the quickest yet most valuable recipe post you may read all day. Pin it, print it out and stick it to your fridge, memorise it's content and repeat it daily as your spiritual mantra... This dang cookie recipe is the stuff and let me tell you- incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour!

As you all know, I enjoy a good stroll through the pages of Pinterest and upon a recent indulgence I found several sweet treat recipes to try out, in search of the most adaptable and satisfying of biscuits, something good enough to eat before it even hits the oven... The soft cookie! I took upon myself the hardship of testing out these recipes, the things I do for you dearest of readers... and eventually created from my findings this most basic yet scrumptious plan:

- Mix into a bowl both sugars and the soft/ melted butter until smooth.
- Add to this the egg and the vanilla and combine together.
- Next it's time to add in the flour, salt and bicarb stirring this together until you reach a dough.
- Using clean hands (duh), throw in your chocolate chunks and squeeze the mixture together into a large ball.
- Get the oven warmed up and ready to go at a temperature of 175 degrees and while you're at it line a tray with baking paper.
- Whilst eating a substantial amount of the cookie dough divide this ball into two then make six smaller balls from each half making 12 satisfyingly sized cookies once done. There are no rules here friends, you can make 6 whopping great big ones or more dinky sized treats if that's what you're feeling.
- Pop your tray of evenly spaced cookie dough balls (or whats left of the mixture), into the oven for 9-11 minutes but not one second more. Have trust in the cookie gods and despite the dough seeming not quite done, whack them out and leave them to cool (treating yourself to a gooey one as the rest do their thing).
- Pour yourself a glass of milk/ hot chocolate/ cookie munching beverage of choice and proceed to scoff the lot!

As I mentioned, this is a super simple recipe with huge potential to get creative adding exciting flavour combinations such as sea salt and caramel chunks, try chopping up a Terry's chocolate orange or add hazelnuts for some crunch! The options are plentiful but please be warned, if you as much as think of putting a raisin anywhere near your cookie dough we can no longer be friends. I'm kidding of course. I'm really not. But mostly, have fun baking them and enjoy yourself a little pick me up as the days get shorter and the frost creeps ever closer!

Sunday, 2 October 2016

There are bustling Sunday markets, indulgent foodie fairs and rocking summer festivals; add to the lively atmospheric elements of these exciting events a hearty dose of creative energy and you have The Handmade Fair, presented by the DIY queen herself Kirsty Allsopp. This yearly feast of all things crafty is held in the wondrous grounds of Hampton Court Palace, impossible to miss with it's bunting held high and buzzing hive of fellow makers uniting.

This was my first year attending the event and boy was I not disappointed. Albeit a rocky start to the day arriving upon London with a wake of destruction in our path, it was the day of the unfortunate train accident leaving the entire transport network in chaos for the whole weekend, ALSO making us miss our very first (and highly anticipated) workshop... This did not discourage our excitement though, as we commiserated the loss of our tote printing session by partaking in several of the ridiculously scrumptious food vans (hello deliciously rich coffee and pastries!)

Of course, what would a handmade fair be without a little DIY action? Throughout the day there were continuous workshops available to sign up to (ahead of time or on the day), including a class that we found fascinating- wire flower making, something neither my mum or I had ever tried before, hilarity and naughty school children giggles sang from our corner of the tent but resulted in some seriously epic flower pins and a want / need to run off and start creating things immediately!

There were also talks throughout the day in the Super Theatre, we signed up in advance to the talk with Kirsty Allsopp and Patrick Grant and boy am I glad we did as it was the quickest sold out feature of the weekend, I wonder why... We enjoyed hearing about Patrick's background and his unusual route to tailoring, he offered some great advice to young sewers and was inspiring in his humility and proves that if you have enough gumption and drive that you can achieve all kinds of goals and Kirsty was, of course, her usual witty, stylish self!

All in all it was a fantastic day, inspiring, fun and yes a little tiring after running about like a hyperactive child on Christmas morning (sorry mum), but I can't recommend treating yourself to a ticket enough and will be first in line to attend next year! My top tips for making the most of your visit would be to avoid booking the first workshop of the day (just in case) // travel light but do take a roll up tote bag or two for all your goodies // get involved in the spontaneous free workshops scattered about the grounds but sign up early to avoid full classes // wear comfy shoes but do feel free to spice up the rest of your outfit, you are among fellow eccentrics so go bonkers if you please! // Check the weather before you go, this is still England and we were super grateful of our brolly but even more so of the free plastic, log flume ponchos they were handing out. I styled the crap out of mine with frizzy drizzle hair and a shit tonne of sass // but mostly, soak up the atmosphere and ENJOY!

Keep your eyes peeled for a follow up post containing the goodies I scored on the day and for more info on my favourite exhibitors at the event!